The Maven Behind the Movement
Why I Built my Life’s Work on Play.
Come as you are. Thrive as we go.
I am a Stage IV colon cancer survivor. This diagnosis, once a terrifying endpoint, became a powerful catalyst for a profound transformation. It was in the depths of my battle that I discovered the potent, healing power of purposeful play. This realization wasn't just a personal revelation; it was the genesis of the Let Us Play™ framework, a philosophy and practice deeply rooted in positive psychology and the PERMA-V model.
This is my story. This is the foundation of my life's work.
Forged, Not Found
My journey through Stage IV colon cancer was a crucible. It stripped away the non-essential, forcing me to confront my mortality and, in doing so, to truly live. In the sterile environments of treatment, I found unexpected solace not in despair, but in the simple, profound act of play. It wasn't frivolous; it was medicine. It was resilience. It was a pathway to reclaiming my sense of self, my joy, and my energy. This discovery ignited a passion to share this healing modality with others facing their own battles, to build a movement grounded in the understanding that play is not a luxury, but a vital component of holistic wellbeing.
The Framework: Six Pillars, One Whole Human
The Let Us Play™ framework is built on six interconnected pillars, designed to nurture the whole human:
· Joy: Cultivating moments of delight and happiness.
· Flow: Experiencing deep engagement and immersion in activities.
· Connection: Fostering meaningful relationships and community.
· Purpose: Aligning actions with values and a sense of meaning.
· Strength: Identifying and utilizing personal strengths and resilience.
· Energy: Nurturing vitality for a full and vibrant life.
A Maven Is a Bridge
I am a bridge builder, connecting people to their innate capacity for wellbeing. My work manifests through two primary organizations:
Lee Lee's Life Lessons (501c3 nonprofit): We provide vital survivorship and emotional wellbeing programming for individuals and families navigating life-altering diagnoses. Our work is a testament to the healing power of community and shared experience. Visit us at www.leeleeslifelessons.org.
PlayveraCo: Co-owned with my daughter Shelby, PlayveraCo is our training and facilitation company. Through Shelby’s trademarked EPIC™ framework — Express, Play, Integrate, and Carry Forward — we empower individuals and organizations with the tools, experiences, and insights to integrate purposeful play into their lives and work, fostering creativity, resilience, connection, and enhanced wellbeing. Explore more at www.playveraco.com.
My approach is holistic, recognizing that wellbeing is not compartmentalized but interconnected. My training as a Certified Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner (CAPP) and Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) informs this integrated perspective. The wisdom gained through my Master's in Metaphysics and ongoing doctoral candidacy further deepens my understanding of the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit.
What I Know for Sure
Wellbeing is a birthright. Play is sophisticated healing. It is the language of the soul, the spark of creativity, and the engine of resilience. My life's work is dedicated to helping you discover and embrace this truth.
Come as you are. Thrive as we go. Let us play.
About the Author
Lisa Caughman, MSc, HHP, CAPP, is a Stage IV colon cancer survivor, founder of Lee Lee's Life Lessons, and co-owner of PlayveraCo. She holds a Master's in Metaphysics, is a Holistic Health Practitioner, a Certified Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner, and an ordained interfaith minister. Lisa is currently a doctoral candidate, furthering her research into the transformative power of wellbeing and purposeful play. Her life's mission is to help others reclaim their vitality and joy through the Let Us Play™ framework.
